Seahawks opponent the day that
Weiser was shooting was the Carolina
Panthers, who would earn a 27-23
victory that day to move to 5-0 and
eventually wind up in Super Bowl 50.
Like an athlete or anyone in a chosen
profession, Weiser has had a cast of
mentors who have influenced his craft.
It was Rich Ivens who sold Weiser
his first DSLR camera. Gene Kaiser,
now retired, and Robert Franklin
of the South Bend Tribune had a
tremendous influence on Weiser’s
development. Robin Alam, John
O’Connell (a professional with 60
years of experience), John Mersits, and
J.R. Valderas (Multimedia Specialist
at Holland Schools in Michigan) have
all contributed to who Weiser is today.
The guidance of his mentors has been
important to Weiser’s evolution as a
photographer as has the support of his
wife and two children.
Like an athlete or
anyone in a chosen
profession, Weiser has
had a cast of mentors
who have influenced
his craft.
Weiser will continue working his
passion for USA Today in the near
future. Ultimately, he aspires to
become a staff photographer for a
university, major network, maybe even
the NFL. With the quality of his work
and the right connection, it’s likely that
Weiser’s dreams will come to fruition.
Sometimes, it’s just funny how things
work out.
Joe Weiser’s portfolio spans all sports and captures every bit of the emotion.
Coach & Player Magazine • Spring 2017
41